Ashley Cole deserves England player of the year award, says Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello has controversially championed Ashley Cole to be crowned England’s player of 2012, despite the defender having faced a rap for abusing the Football Association.

The Chelsea left-back hit out at the FA, calling them ‘a bunch of t***s’, after it was claimed his evidence had been changed in the John Terry racism trial.

Cole was charged with misconduct and forced to apologise, but former Three Lions boss Capello still feels the defender is good value for the gong, despite his off-field troubles.

Four previous England managers were asked for their selctions, and the Italian said: ‘Ashley won this same award for his performances in 2010.

‘He is world class. He is always consistent, has fantastic energy, incredible experience and you can rely on him in any situation. His attitude matches his ability and he gives everything for the team.’

Committed: Glen Johnson (Picture: EPA)

The shortlist of five players voted for by fans on TheFA.com was Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson and Daniel Welbeck, with the outcome due to be announced at a ceremony at St George’s Park tomorrow.

Kevin Keegan chose Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson, and said: ‘Glen he has been a model of consistency and, for me, just edges it over Joe Hart.

‘The fact two of the five are defenders, and the goalkeeper is on there, tells you everything you need to know about last year.

‘If you have two or three forwards on there, you know you’ve been scoring a lot of goals. Glen is a guy who’s done his job, played very professionally, and looks very comfortable at this level.

Leader: Steven Gerrard (Picture: REUTERS)

Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren both went for Steve Gerrard.

The Swede said: ‘It was very easy for me to have Steven Gerrard in my team. Working with him was very easy. He is a fantastic football player, he can attack, his passing is outstanding and he can score goals.

‘He is one of the best midfielders in the world. Steven was captain for the first time under me and he has grown from that moment. He is a leader. When he speaks everyone listens.’

While McClaren added: ‘Last year he was an integral part of England’s progression through the group at Euro 2012. He produced the kind of performances in an England shirt that we are well accustomed to over many years with Liverpool.

‘His assists in the first two games showed his influence. As England manager there are some players who you need to spend a lot of time with. Steven is probably one of the lowest maintenance players I have ever come across.’